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As consumers move towards more conscious beauty consumption, a good place to start is with sunscreens. More and more evidence suggests that mineral sunscreens are best for both people and planet. Unlike chemical sunscreens they begin working immediately, won’t disturb delicate hormone function or aggravate skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, and are safest for our ocean’s ecosystem. Both Hawaii and the Florida Keys recently banned chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and oxtinosate, which have proven to make coral more susceptible to environmental stressors.
While mineral sunscreens are notorious for leaving that faint whitish cast, newer formulas are more spreadable and wearable than ever. Here are the best mineral sunscreens for 2019:
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream
This universal tint from Josh Rosebrook offers safe non-nano zinc oxide protection while delivering a more even tone to skin. Why is non-nano desirable? As Tara Foley, founder of the “clean beauty” site Follian, explains, “The particle size is big enough to create the physical barrier on your skin, and to also prevent it from absorbing into your bloodstream. Nano particles—whether they’re from zinc or from chemical sunscreens—absorb into the bloodstream and that’s not what you want.”
Coola Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Parents should be packing this sunscreen in their kids’ camp and school bags. It provides 14.5% non-nano zinc oxide coverage in the convenience of a spray and is enriched with soothing botanicals like aloe, coconut and buriti. It goes on white but spreads like a dream and dries to a nice matte finish. The applicator never clogs and is easy enough for my 6-year-old to manage. I horde these in my beach bag.
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This lightweight emulsion is the gold standard of mineral sunscreens and layers well under makeup. Boasting special enzymes that repair skin’s DNA, it’s ideal for those looking not only to prevent sun damage but repair it. While Elta MD was once the universal recommendation among dermatologists, ISDIN is cropping up more and more in doctors’ offices.
Brush On Block Lip Oil
Often, lip SPFs can be decidedly unglamorous but not this one. A base of argan, castor and sunflower oils moisturizes and titanium and zinc provide sun and blue light protection. This formula just feels good with not a bit of stickiness, and the nude tint is universally flattering. The brand’s brush-on mineral powder is also not to be missed.
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
When it comes to sun protection, kids are obsessed with face sticks. Nearly every parent I know swears by this cocoa-butter-infused wonder. It’s soothing and non-sticky, and I get zero complaints from my children when I apply it. In fact, they all fight to hold the tiny thing.
Colorscience Brush On Sunscreen SPF 50
Whether you use a mineral or chemical sunscreen, it’s best to reapply every two hours. This ultra-sheer powder plays nice with make-up and is a great mattifier. The brand offers a multitude of shades for every skin type. It’s the sunscreen of choice for beach-bound Hamptonites. Popular local beauty apothecary Knockout Beauty can’t keep it in stock.
Kypris Pot of Shade Heliotropic Sunscreen and Primer
I was introduced to this glamorous facial sunscreen and primer by beauty-editor favorite and clean-minded esthetician Kristina Holey. It’s beautiful packaging will look great in your medicine cabinet while the moisturizing botanical formula feels even better on skin. The well-rounded blend features sweet iris stem cells to plump fine lines and probiotics that leave your skin balanced and hydrated
Vive Sana Daily Protezione SPF 30
Mineral sunscreens can pose a challenge for those with darker complexions, and this super-moisturizing concoction is the answer. The tint is truly universal and even leaves a subtle glow, which is rare when dealing with sun protection.
SuperGoop ZincScreen 100% Mineral Lotion
SuperGoop knows sunscreen. Its product testing is so thorough that the brand provides efficacy reports on its site for each product. According to Supergoop, almost half of sun care products on the market fail to meet their SPF and water-resistance claims. This is another tinted option that is ideal for daily use. The slightly pink tint disappears right into skin.
Goddess Garden Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
I almost dismissed this one as it seemed too similar to traditional mineral-based creams but, wow, was I surprised. This mineral sunscreen provides an impressive SPF 50 in an ultra-sheer formula that smells great. The stick version holds its own against the ever popular Beautycounter version and smells like lavender.
